Amount of state refunds?

[RLXFXR]

As I lay here on the couch, miserably sick with whatever’s going around, I’m watching tons of hunting shows and dreaming. Can anyone tell me if there’s a website or link to a breakdown of each states non-resident license cost and amount of refund if not drawn? I don’t mind putting out $5k, but don’t want the non-refundable amount to exceed $750. Thanks in advance!

 

[bspurs]

The only place I know that may compile all of that info on a state-by-state basis is Go Hunt.

 

[CarterHunt]

I am sick too and just did some back of the envelope math using the huntin fool state pages

Wyoming (Regular) - Total cost at application: $722 Non-refundable portion: $15
Arizona - Total cost at application: $175 Non-refundable portion: $175
New Mexico - Total cost at application: $867 Non-refundable portion: $93
Montana (Elk Combo) - Total cost at application: $1030 Non-refundable portion: $34
Colorado - Total cost at application: $125 Non-refundable portion: $125
Utah - Total cost at application: $139 Non-refundable portion: $139
Nevada - Total cost at application: $175 Non-refundable portion: $175
Idaho - Total cost at application: $227 Non-refundable portion: $227

Total cost at application: $3,460 Non-refundable portion: $983

 

[wapitibob]

There is no reason to be paying $179 per year in AZ or $139 in UT.

 

[RLXFXR]

I am sick too and just did some back of the envelope math using the huntin fool state pages

Wyoming (Regular) - Total cost at application: $722 Non-refundable portion: $15
Arizona - Total cost at application: $175 Non-refundable portion: $175
New Mexico - Total cost at application: $867 Non-refundable portion: $93
Montana (Elk Combo) - Total cost at application: $1030 Non-refundable portion: $34
Colorado - Total cost at application: $125 Non-refundable portion: $125
Utah - Total cost at application: $139 Non-refundable portion: $139
Nevada - Total cost at application: $175 Non-refundable portion: $175
Idaho - Total cost at application: $227 Non-refundable portion: $227

Total cost at application: $3,460 Non-refundable portion: $983

Thank you!

 

[OlderGobbler]

There is no reason to be paying $179 per year in AZ or $139 in UT.

Can you elaborate on this?

 

[waspocrew]

Can you elaborate on this?

Not sure about AZ, but UT license is 365 days from time of purchase. I buy mine during the middle of the application period. You get two application periods of use, only buying a new license every other year.

 

[wapitibob]

UT and AZ have 360 day licenses; UT is easier to navigate.

 

[RLXFXR]

I have zero preference points, I’ve heard Wyoming is now worth putting in for as it’ll be 15 years or more. Recommendations? I was thinking Colorado and ?

 

[j3h8]

There is no reason to be paying $179 per year in AZ or $139 in UT.

Suggestions on how to avoid paying? Or a better strategy/option?

 

[waspocrew]

Suggestions on how to avoid paying? Or a better strategy/option?

Can’t avoid paying, need a valid license to apply. Check post #7.

 

[CarterHunt]

Suggestions on how to avoid paying? Or a better strategy/option?

You can't avoid paying but you can get 2 years out of 1 license.

Arizona - when you go to apply, set the start date of your license to be the last day of the application period (2/4 this year). Next year the deadline will be 2/3 so you will already have a valid license through the end of the 2026 elk application period. This is all moot if you apply for deer and sheep in June, as you will still need to buy one every year.

Utah - License is good for 365 days and you just need to have a valid license at the time you apply, so you really do only need to buy a Utah license every other year.

 

[wapitibob]

In AZ you will get 3 draw periods from 1 license, staggering the purchase date.
2025 Elk 2025 Deer 2026 Elk
2026 Deer 2026 Elk 2027 Deer